The use of larger guns with more penetrating power and explosive shells made armour plating imperative. Among early experiments were floating armoured batteries built for the Crimean War. Heavy wrought-iron plates over a thick wooden backing gave these flat-bottomed vessels outstanding protection as they carried large-shell guns close inshore.

Other developments followed swiftly. The British soon built the first iron-hulled floating batteries. The French followed in 1860 with the Gloire, the first seagoing armoured warship, protected throughout her entire length by a wrought-iron belt of 4.3- to 4.7-inch (10.9- to 11.9-cm) armour backed by 26 inches (66 cm) ... (100 of 18,371 words)